Joan Garcia has become one of Europe’s most in-demand goalkeepers, and Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign the Espanyol star this summer.
Arsenal appear to be in pole position to sign Joan Garcia, the standout goalkeeper of the La Liga season, according to a report in AS.
The Espanyol shot-stopper, who has already claimed back-to-back awards for the best save of the month in February and March, is attracting attention from across Europe – but it is Arsenal who reportedly made the first move and remain frontrunners after failing to sign the keeper last summer
The 23-year-old, who has made more than 100 saves this season – the only goalkeeper in La Liga to do so – has become a vital figure in Espanyol’s battle to avoid relegation. His performances, including in a 0–0 draw away at Atlético Madrid in which he stopped efforts from Alexander Sørloth, Koke, Pablo Barrios, Julián Álvarez, Samuel Lino, and César Azpilicueta, have made him one of the most sought-after players in Spain.
According to AS, Arsenal made a formal offer last August worth €12 million plus add-ons rising to €20 million. While that move was ultimately declined with the player remaining in Catalonia, the expectation is that a deal could be revisited this summer.
Espanyol, currently fighting to retain their top-flight status, are under financial pressure to raise €15 million in player sales. Garcia’s release clause stands at €25 million, or €30 million if he is capped at senior level for Spain – a figure that would drop to €15 million should the club suffer relegation.
With competition from Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid, Arsenal’s previous groundwork could prove decisive.
Garcia’s agent, Juanma López, is a former Atlético Madrid legend, a connection that could yet influence his future. But the Premier League remains a strong pull. According to the report, the Gunners are seriously considering a long-term replacement strategy for their current goalkeeping set-up, and Garcia is seen as a key candidate.
Having saved two penalties against Mallorca in a recent match and consistently starred for a struggling side, Garcia’s form is likely to invite further scrutiny before the window opens.
Should Espanyol fail to beat the drop, a summer departure seems inevitable. Arsenal, with both intent and prior contact on their side, are now seen as favourites to secure his signature.